What dress style is right for your shape?

When I first got engaged I thought I had a good idea of the style of wedding dress that I wanted. Then I started the hunt for my dress and tried on my ‘ideal’ dress style in a few stores but wasn’t that impressed with how I looked. How disappointing!

It was only when one of the store managers suggested I try some other dress styles that I would have initially passed by, that I found out what actually suited my body and made me feel a million dollars.

Nothing can beat trying on a variety of different styles, shapes and fabrics to see what actually works for you. You might be surprised!

It also helps to be realistic about your body and what dress styles are best suited to you. While a dress may look amazing on a designer’s model, most of us don’t have the same shaped body and therefore we can’t expect the dress to look the same on us.

Our top tips for selecting a dress to suit your body shape:

If you have a large bust

You’ll need a dress with some structure, or the ability to wear a bra or corset underneath. If you prefer a strapless dress look for corset closures at the back and boning in the bodice. You need to be able to pull the dress in firmly to hold the weight of your breasts.

Alternatively, a dress with shoulder straps or sleeves that allows you to wear a bra underneath would work. Also look for V shape necklines. They usually have shoulder straps the vertical lines help to lengthen your torso.

If you have a long torso

Look for Aline or ballgown dress styles with waistbands or a seam around the waist. By circling your waist and having a skirt with volume, it gives the impression of longer legs as the skirt starts from the waist. A mid length train such as a sweep or chapel train will also help to lengthen your lower body.

If you are petite

Look for sheath or mermaid dress styles with a train as the long vertical lines will elongate your body.

Find out more about the difference between wedding dress styles– Aline, Ballgown, Sheath, Mermaid, Aline, Empire line